Dubai, June 2, 2025 – Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its new XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 heavy-duty truck at the ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, reaffirming its commitment to advancing hydrogen-powered transportation in North America.
The event, held from April 28 to May 1, served as a platform for Hyundai to strengthen its leadership in the global shift toward hydrogen energy and expand its commercial vehicle footprint in North America. The company plans to achieve this through the capabilities of its HTWO hydrogen brand, backed by Hyundai Motor Group’s technical expertise and operational strength.
At a press conference, Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business, stressed Hyundai’s focus on delivering scalable, real-world solutions driven by innovation, reliability, and manufacturing excellence.
“Hyundai is shaping the future of clean logistics through solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Ramirez. “By integrating technologies like ADAS and forming strategic partnerships, we’re helping fleet operators adapt to a rapidly evolving market and lead the transition toward smarter, more sustainable mobility.”
Ramirez also emphasized Hyundai’s full-spectrum capabilities across the hydrogen value chain—from production to storage and end-use—supporting the creation of a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
North America Debut: Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck
In line with its hydrogen logistics strategy, Hyundai officially introduced the XCIENT Fuel Cell production truck designed for the North American market. Originally revealed as a concept at ACT Expo 2024, this model is now production-ready.
The XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world’s first mass-produced, hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty truck and plays a key role in advancing emission-free commercial transport. Since its global launch in 2020, the truck has operated in 13 countries, accumulating over 13 million kilometers—primarily in Switzerland—underscoring Hyundai’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
The latest model features an upgraded hydrogen fuel cell system and has undergone extensive testing in North America since 2021 across varying climates and operational needs. Continuous collaboration with fleet operators has helped ensure it meets practical demands, such as port logistics and mid-range freight transport.
Key Specifications: XCIENT Fuel Cell
180 kW hydrogen fuel cell system (two 90 kW stacks)
72 kWh battery pack
350 kW electric motor, 2,237 Nm torque
Up to 450-mile range in optimal conditions
10 hydrogen tanks with approx. 68 kg total capacity
Class-8 tractor variant designed for North America
Gross combination weight rating (GCWR): 82,000 lbs
Driver-Focused Interior Design
The cabin of the new XCIENT has been upgraded for comfort and ease of use, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls integrated into the center console for improved ergonomics.
Advanced Safety and Clean Logistics Initiatives
The latest XCIENT Fuel Cell model features a full suite of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue. These technologies include:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW & BCW-NEAR)
Forward Collision Warning-Near (FCW-NEAR)
Hydrogen-Powered Logistics in Action
At ACT Expo, Hyundai Motor showcased its achievements in clean logistics through strategic partnerships in North America.
Under the NorCAL ZERO Project, 30 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks are operating at the Ports of Oakland and Richmond, marking the largest commercial deployment of hydrogen trucks in the region. These zero-emission trucks have covered nearly 450,000 miles since September 2023, mainly in container transport.
Additionally, Hyundai partnered with GLOVIS America for the HTWO Logistics initiative, launched at ACT Expo 2024. At the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, 21 XCIENT trucks now handle nearly half of the site’s inbound and outbound logistics using on-site hydrogen production and consumption—demonstrating a fully integrated, low-carbon logistics ecosystem.
Since launching in October 2024, this project has become a working model for global replication of hydrogen-powered logistics, reinforcing Hyundai’s operational leadership and environmental commitment.
HTWO Platform Expansion & Infrastructure Development
Hyundai also announced the expansion of its HTWO hydrogen brand into an open platform, designed to connect partners, investors, and industries across the full hydrogen value chain.
As part of its infrastructure growth, the company revealed plans for HTWO Energy Savannah—the first hydrogen refueling and electric charging station for Class-8 trucks, in partnership with HydroFleet and Capital Development Partners. The station, located near HMGMA in Savannah, Georgia, is set to open by late 2025.
XCIENT Fuel Cell Display and Test Drives at ACT Expo
“Visitors to Hyundai’s booth at ACT Expo (open April 29 – May 1) can view the XCIENT Fuel Cell truck and its hydrogen system, along with exhibits detailing Hyundai’s U.S. business strategies. The company is also offering test drives, giving attendees a firsthand experience of the vehicle’s latest innovations and performance”.
